11 things your headache may be trying to tell you about your body

Headaches are one of the most common ailments in the world. According to the World Health Organization, around half of all people worldwide have reported suffering from a headache at least once in the past year. And although a headache may be just a headache, it could also be a sign that something else is going on.

Most headaches are nothing to worry about. They can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, allowing us to go about our day. But not all headaches are created equal, and getting to the source of the pain can help prevent them in the future.

You shouldn't have to live in pain. The next time your head hurts, consider these potential causes, and talk with your doctor about any concerns you have.

You need to drink water.

Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches or migraines for some, according to Healthline. Headaches associated with dehydration — whether it's from not drinking enough water, exercising too much, or crying— are often paired with muscle cramps, darker urine than what is normal for you, and thirst. They usually only last the length of the dehydration, so replenishing your body with water and electrolytes should put you on the road to recovery.

You're having allergy or sinus problems.

When you think of allergies, you probably think of a runny nose or watery eyes, but they can also cause serious headaches that can be confused with migraines, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Headaches associated with hay fever or sinusitis are caused by blockages in the nasal passages or from a bacterial infection. Since they need to be treated with very specific medications, getting the right diagnosis is key.

You're under too much stress.

A study presented at the 2014 American Academy of Neurologyclaimed that the more stress you're under, the more headaches you're likely to get, according to Self. That stress can manifest itself in the form of chronic or episodic tension headaches, or it can trigger migraines for those who suffer from them. Episodic tension headaches can be the result of a particular stressful event, like losing a job or the death of a family member, while chronic tension headaches result from long-term, un-managed stress.